Oscar Pistorius says sorry for Reeva Steenkamp death

Exactly a year ago, Reeva Steenkamp was killed by her boyfriend Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius in a shooting incident at the home the couple shared. Today, Pistorius has made a statement on his official website.

In the statement, Pistorius said: “The loss of Reeva and the complete trauma of that day, I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”

The Reeva Steenkamp murder trial begins in March. Mr Pistorius is expected to continue his claim that he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder when he shot her through the bathroom door on Valentine’s Day. Prosecutors for the state allege that Pistorius murdered his girlfriend after a series of fights between the pair. If found guilty, he will face imprisonment.

The Paralympic sprinter, who earned the nickname “blade runner” during the London Paralympics in 2012 because of the Flex-Foot Cheetah blades he wore during the games, wrote a full statement on his official website: “No words can adequately capture my feelings about the devastating accident that has caused such heartache for everyone who truly loved - and continues to love - Reeva. The pain and sadness - especially for Reeva's parents, family and friends - consumes me with sorrow. The loss of Reeva and the complete trauma of that day, I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Oscar.”

Reeva Steenkamp's family are expected to gather near Cape Town to mark the anniversary. Her uncle, Michael Steenkamp told the AFP: “We will release balloons in her memory. They will be red and white, her favourite colours.”

Steenkamp’s mother June confirmed that she will attend the trial and she thanked her supporters: “All we are looking for is closure and to know that our daughter did not suffer on that tragic Valentine's Day."